Creative hydration for kids: eight delicious drink ideas
There are heaps of things kids turn their noses up at.
Unless you’ve got a super-cultured four-year-old, there’s slim chance that olives, mushrooms, pickles, broccoli, stinky fish, stinky cheese, dark chocolate or sauerkraut will make the menu. (But here are 33 foods that will.)
Sometimes even water proves unpalatable, seen as the tasteless and boooo-riiiing cousin of soft drinks and orange juice.
Water is life
Like adults, every single cell in a child’s body needs water to survive… and thrive! Unfortunately, many kids prefer sweet drinks to plain old water – and advertising doesn’t do much to help the situation.
Juice boxes, cordials and fizzy drinks are heavily marketed to children, despite the well-established health risks. These sugar-laden liquids represent empty calories, promoting tooth decay, blood sugar imbalances, mood changes, weight gain and more.
Spine hydration matters
As well as that, the health of your child’s spine relies on proper hydration. The discs that sit between each spinal vertebrae are fluid-filled cushions that allow for everyday compression that occurs as a natural consequence of movement. Without enough fluid, these discs can’t do their job as spinal shock absorbers.
So, what’s a responsible parent or carer to do when your little people are refusing H20?
Get creative, that’s what!
Eight healthy drink ideas for kids
During the heat of summer – and for year-round hydration – we’ve come up with eight winning drinks for little tackers that are healthy, yummy and naturally delicious.
Frozen coco mocktail
Coconut water is naturally sweet and brimming with vitamins and electrolytes. When blended with frozen strawberries (or any berry!), ice and a slurp of raw honey, you’ve got an instant icy sensation.
Ginger fizz
Ginger beer (non-alcoholic, of course) is a nostalgic childhood treat. You can recreate this lip-smacking a tummy-settling drink with sparkling water and a dash of high-quality ginger syrup – or better yet, make your own!
Bloob juice
Frozen blueberries are a must-have freezer staple. If your kids come home hot and thirsty, add some bloobs to a glass of water, give it a muddle, and watch them relish this subtly sweet, pinky-purple treat.
Carrot, apple + ginger juice
If you have a juicer, it’s easy to whip up healthy, tasty juices that children love. You can count on carrot, apple and ginger to please a crowd.
Sporty slurp
A natural electrolyte drink, use a combination of fresh orange juice, a squeeze of lemon, water, honey and a pinch of salt to create a better-than-bottled thirst quencher.
Swamp monster smoothie
Blend frozen pineapple and banana chunks, water, baby spinach leaves and ice for a green-but-sweet summertime treat!
Fancy after-school bubbles
Kids love anything colourful. Start with sparkling water, and add slices of apple, thin wedges of orange, frozen berries and mint for a fancy and hydrating post-school drink.
Watermelon and mint slushie
It doesn’t get simpler than blending watermelon chunks with fresh mint. Serve in their favourite tall glass with a spoon.
Out and about? Better-choice drinks include fizzy water, kombucha, coconut water or organic milk.